Government Relations Director

Description

The American Public Power Association (APPA) serves as the voice of not-for-profit, community-owned utilities that power 2,000 towns and cities nationwide. We represent public power before the federal government to protect the interests of the more than 54 million people that public power utilities serve, and the 96,000 people they employ. We advocate and advise on electricity policy, technology, trends, training, and operations. Help us continue to achieve our mission for our members and the communities they serve!

At APPA, we strive to hire the very best and are committed to creating exceptional employee experiences where everyone is respected and feels valued.

We have an exciting opportunity for a Government Relations Director to promote APPA’s policy positions before Congress and executive branch agencies on issues affecting the operations of the association’s members through issue identification and monitoring, and strategy development, coordination, and execution. This position will handle a portfolio centered on environmental issues (air, water, waste – everything except greenhouse gas emissions), along with other issues important to public power such as those related to wildfires. 

This is a hybrid position which requires the incumbent to reside in the Washington, DC metropolitan area and come into the office a minimum of two to three days each week (with Tuesdays being a mandatory day).

Responsibilities:

• Advocates APPA’s views on particular issues to Members of Congress and their staffs.
• Establishes and maintains relationships with Members of Congress and their staff, as well as committee staff.  
• Monitors legislative and regulatory activities of interest to APPA members.
• Briefs APPA committees and communicates with members on legislative and administrative issues.
• Attends congressional and executive branch hearings and meetings.
• Strategically seeks and creates opportunities to advance APPA objectives.
• Drafts legislation, amendments, and other legislative material as required.
• Drafts speeches, statements, position papers, and correspondence, as appropriate.
• Represents APPA at meetings of outside groups and coalitions.
• Speaks at APPA member meetings on legislative and political issues.
• Attends congressional receptions for APPA's political action committee.
• Conceives and develops program topics for APPA workshops and conferences, including Legislative Rally, National Conference, and utility education courses. 
• Identifies and anticipates legislative and regulatory activities of interest to APPA’s members.
• Develops, directs, and advises senior staff on strategies to achieve policy objectives.
• Coordinates activities with Communications, Technical & Operations Services, Regulatory Affairs, and other APPA departments.
• Coordinates and directs APPA’s working groups and task forces, as appropriate. Also speaks on behalf of the association to the media, as appropriate.

Requirements

•  Minimum of a bachelor’s degree from four-year college or university with coursework in related disciplines such as communications or political science.
• Five to seven years of relevant job experience; preferably congressional or regulatory experience.
• Strong familiarity with the electric utility industry. Knowledge of and thorough understanding of the legislative process, government relations, or law. 
• Ability to work flexible hours, and able to manage completing deadlines and prioritizing work objectives in area of expertise with moderate supervision.
• The ability to articulately and effectively communicate and advocate, both orally and in writing, APPA policies and positions to a variety of audiences including Members of Congress, congressional staff, and executive agencies and pursue opportunities to advance APPA views and objectives.
• Ability to develop, coordinate, and execute legislative and regulatory activities, such as legislation and amendments in Congress and regulations, policies, and processes with federal agencies.
• Travels out of town up to 5% of the year to support APPA’s conferences, events, and meetings.

In addition to a highly competitive salary and bonus program, APPA offers a robust benefits package to include a comprehensive health and wellness package, 20 days of PTO accrued in the first year, 401(k) match and additional contributions, and more!

APPA is committed to fostering an environment of diversity, equity and inclusion. This commitment pertains to our internal policies and staff expectations, but also extends out to the wider public power community. As part of our strategic plan, we aim to assist members in meeting workforce challenges—including attracting and retaining a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace culture—through offering educational programs, developing resources, and serving as a platform for the public power community to exchange ideas and best practices.